The communities in the North and North West of the state will benefit from two additional Inspector positions created within Tasmania Police.

“The Detective Inspectors will be appointed to the Western and Northern Districts, with responsibilities including volume crime (burglaries, stealing etc), serious crime, high risk family violence, drug investigation and forensic services,” said Commissioner of Police, Darren Hine.

“Police numbers have continued to increase and the new Inspector positions will manage the additional responsibilities, enhance capabilities in emergencies and major incidents and significantly contribute to the Districts’ response to crime and other operational responsibilities,” said Mr Hine.

Inspector Debbie Williams and Detective Inspector Philippa Burk have each dedicated around three decades to serving the community through Tasmania Police.

Inspector Williams has served 26 years with Tasmania Police and is the first woman promoted to the rank of Inspector in Western District. She takes up responsibility for Burnie Uniform Division in mid-December. Inspector Williams has two tertiary degrees and has served across all Districts during her career.

With 30 years’ policing experience across a range of disciplines, Detective Inspector Philippa Burk will be an asset to the Northern District Criminal Investigation Branch, where she will work alongside Detective Inspector John King. Her role encompasses victim crime, forensics and family violence. Detective Inspector Philippa Burk places a strong emphasis on teamwork and mentoring.

“Gender diversity is an important goal in a modern police service, and Inspectors Williams and Burk boost the number of female Inspectors in Tasmania Police to six. We are making progress in equality but we still have work to do,” said Commissioner Darren Hine.

“I congratulate Detective Inspector Burk and Inspector Williams on their well-deserved promotion, they are well-respected, experienced and committed officers,” said Mr Hine.